Training methodology is a terrific thing to possess and knowing many of the high percentage setups is certainly an addition to any traders arsenal. Lately , there has been an increasing interest in emotional trader chatacter traits and how those assets , or traits, effect in the trading process. From the onset , you would assume that technique would be the deciding factor in the day trading process. But recent research has open several other variables that involve a day traders performance.
There has been no small amount of literature published in recent years on this topic. Some authors have identified as many as 10 factors of successful traders. But for me, it boils down to three basic traits that are essential for every day trader to enjoy success . Of course, it’s hard to pinpoint the psychological variables in any discipline, and trading is no different. But if you have the chance to trade with a truly talented trader you will understand these intangible tendencies .
1. Good traders live to trade. I have yet to interview a exceedingly successful trader who was not enthusiastic about his or her workmanship. These are the kind of people who know that the trading environment is exactly where they should be at the ordained time. Great traders exude this passion in their approach to trading. They may not feel it necessary to declare to the world, “I love trading.” They don’t have to; you can sense their passion and desire when they enter the trading room. They are often devoted students of trading lifestyle , and have an irresitable desire to go forward to learn and master day trading. Trading is not a business for these traders . Trading is who they are, and what they are. The highly successful traders are nearly unmindful to their environment as they trade, but alternatively are glued to their screens and indicators and are invariably utilizing the knowledge and skill they have mastered . Oddly enough, I have discovered that “making money” is not the only motivation in these individuals lives. No, it’s the sheer elegance of a trade well executed. Further, these traders pride themselves on a session worth of mistake free trading.
2. Good traders never veer from their trading methodology . profitable traders have a well developed trading methodology they have learned and mastered . This trading stule is the map by which they dominate the markets. They don’t take the side roads , they don’t veer off the path, they have a well defined plan and execute that plan despite surprise variables that may distract some traders and send some traders completely off their trading plan. profitable traders have phenomenal discipline in their approach and execution of their trading style . They have specific indicators for entering and exiting trades and no amount of beguilement dissuades them from initiating their day trading system . Even more fascinating , they are able to keep this high level of discipline for entire trading sessions, for months, for their entire careers. Discipline is the stuff of greatness in a trader. There are no substitutes for discipline. While some undisciplined traders may put together short runs of profitability, they are unable to maintain this high level of success over sustained periods. They lack the discipline. I’ve heard whispers in trading rooms about great traders being endowed with a “6th sense” when it comes to taking trades. That has not been my observation though; the ability to maintain consistency in trading is the product of personal discipline.
3. Superior traders are never rushed. I have been fortunate enough to trade with several very talented traders, and the atmosphere in a trading room can, at times, reach a frenetic noise level . But the good traders don’t trade on rumor, or trading gossip , they trade when the time is right. They won’t be rushed into a trade trying to catch the tail end of a breakout or breakdown. More likely, they entered the trade as the breakout or breakdown became evident . They do not trade in a emotionally charge state or rush into low percentage trade setups. They are a patient lot , these traders. They understand that the opportunities to trade will arise throughout the course of the day and there is never a reason to risk their capital on low percentage trading set-ups . They know that some days there may be a small number of trading opportunities, and that is part of trading . A great trader learns to capitalize what the market offers, but realizes the market punishes those who try to steal trades when high percentage setups are not prevalent. They realize that the market is at its essense, a complex percentage game and are always aware of the prudent percentages that are key for a successful trade. They are patient and methodical in every aspect of their trading craft.
I realize that these three traits exist, in a greater or lesser degree, in all traders. Further, not all traders are going to be able to master these three traits. We all have our weaknesses, and learning to compensate for impatience, lack of self-discipline, and passion for trading are ongoing projects. It’s progress we seek as traders, not perfection. The E-mini trading professor offers an inexpensive trading system to trade using the traits described above. It enjoys tremendous popularity and success with it’s adherants.

February 22nd, 2011
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